-John M. Valdez, PPAG Reviewer

“Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute.” Are you old enough to remember this Woodsy Owl campaign? I remember as a child having a great coloring book with Woodsy, I loved it. Today kids are far more complex, far more educated, and dynamic. But they can still be swept away by a good book, and owl story.

This year’s “All Pueblo Reads,” music concert promoted the wonderfully rich story of a group of students who are fighting to save an owl sanctuary from a greedy restaurant developer. Carl Hiaasen’s book “Hoot” provided the perfect backdrop.

The Pueblo Children’s Chorale opened its 16^th season with the show, “Sweet Sixteen…What a Hoot” along with guest choirs from South Mesa Elementary and Centennial High-School. South Mesa, the first choir to take the stage set the mood fro the night of fun.

The full-house crowd watched as the choir along with their director, Harriet Warren took the stage in costumes and their bare feet, their tribute to the book’s characters. The students were charming, and spot on with song and dance were an absolute awesome opening performance.

Next on stage was Centennial’s Schola Cantorum, under the direction of Mr. Brook Mead. Having filled in for a missing choir and late to planning they had songs of their own to perform, they were outstanding. As a choir performer and tenor since grade school I was blown away and amazed to hear Bass Dmytro Muradov start the choir’s version of Faithfully. Basses rarely get solos. The choir also had us cheering at their rocking and fun rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

The Pueblo Children’s Chorale also under Brook’s direction took the stage next. Their set of wonderfully sweet songs included a very stunning and touching version of Alan Menken’s Colors of the Wind, a fitting tribute to the book’s environmental theme. Having followed the Chorale for some time now it is wonderful to see a different energy and new path they are taking. Mr. Mead has taken this group of students with a large number of first timers to new exciting heights.

Again as a member of many different choirs during my long life I tend to notice things others might miss. One young man in the front row was a particular joy to watch. Sid Gangar broke many rules, including keep your hands out of your pockets, tuck in your shirt, and no dancing unless it’s choreographed. All this aside this young boy was a true representation of the love of music that he seemed to sum up the entire nights performance. Watching him I’m sure made many others smile as well.

The last song of the evening was performed by all three choirs. Easily over 120 students on stage at once singing Michael Jackson’s Heal the World” was a perfect ending to a terrific night of music. A hardy well done to all involved, and special “shout-out” to Mrs. Christina Anderson, Executive Director of Pueblo Children’s Chorale. For more information please visit the group’s website, www.pueblochildrenschorale.org.